Preparing Mentally for an Interview

Preparing for a prized interview entails much more than just know what to wear or where to go, knowing what the job entails to finding out more about the company on their website, looking neat and being on time. Beyond the logistics and physical appearance, there should be a constructive mental and psychological planning as well.

Only just recently I have actually had to put all these factors to the test myself. After 13½ years working for the same company, I made the decision to resign from my previous position and accept another position within the same industry focusing more on Employment Services. As it had been quiet a while since I had to prepare myself mentally for an interview, the first few interviews I attended were quiet nerve racking to stay the least. But the one thing that I remember advising my clients or anyone is down to how you prepare mentally for the interview.

Below are some useful tips that I have found and recommend when preparing yourself mentally for an interview:-

Research – Learn as much as you can about the position, the company and the industry so can assess and justify your suitability for the job. If the company has a website, check it out on the Internet. Be friendly and professional to employees you meet or speak with on the phone, as they can be your allies in securing that coveted job.

Know your strengths and weaknesses – Review the skills, character traits and abilities you possess that can contribute to the company’s cause. Envision yourself in the position and think realistically of what you can do, improve or add to benefit the company.

Study your employment history – So you can describe your work experiences in detail. Get excellent references and bring samples of your work to show the interviewer.

Be familiar with the questions – Prep yourself for both the unusual suspects like “Tell me about yourself”, and tough to answer questions like “What are the benefits of hiring you over someone else?” or “What can you do for the company?”. Think of questions from an employer’s prospectus and try to answer these positively.

Ask your own questions – Interviewers are not just after answers, they also want to know how you think and thus, are interested to hear intelligent, job related inquiries from applicants.

Lastly, try to imagine how the entire interview will go. Visualise yourself performing calmly and confidently from start to finish. Psych yourself up for anything that may happen, but always hope for the best. Good Luck!!

Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.